Classical Music in Long Beach

With a professional symphony orchestra, choral groups, and a rich scene that nurtures music appreciation, Long Beach is a vibrant home for classical music in Southern California. Learn more about the organizations producing concert seasons at the city’s performing arts venues, including one that the L.A. Times called Southern California’s most important early music ensemble.

LONG BEACH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Perhaps the original bastion of classical music in Long Beach is the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, established in 1934. Led by Maestro Eckhart Preu, LBSO’s Classical Series includes five performances at the Terrace Theater each season featuring a diverse program of notable composers and guest artists. The Pops Series is presented in the Long Beach Arena, with five pop music tribute concerts accompanied by LBSO. Kids love the symphony’s concerts in partnership with the RuMBa Foundation, which include an instrument petting zoo and family-friendly performances with interactive music and storytelling.

MUSICA ANGELICA

Musica Angelica specializes in performance of music from the era that precedes the classical greats like Mozart and Beethoven. This Baroque orchestra showcases composers like Vivaldi, Bach, Telemann, and Handel, with their music played on period instruments. Musica Angelica’s home venue is the First Congregational Church of Long Beach (241 Cedar Ave). Each season includes their annual performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in the spring, part of the orchestra’s annual Bach Festival.

LONG BEACH CAMERATA SINGERS

Known for holiday performances of Handel’s Messiah and other major choral works, the Long Beach Camerata Singers was founded in 1966 and today is led by Dr. James K. Bass, Grammy winner and professor of choral studies at UCLA. The group is made up of professional and volunteer singers and serves as the choral partner for the Long Beach Symphony and Musica Angelica. Catalyst Chamber Ensemble is the group’s smaller offshoot, performing a capella choral music to supplement the larger group’s regular season.

Credit: Long Beach Camerata Singers

LONG BEACH CHORALE & CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Long Beach Chorale & Chamber Orchestra’s motto is “great music, up close,” highlighting the group’s aim to provide live performances of choral masterworks in a welcoming atmosphere at an accessible price. LBCCO is Long Beach’s only all-volunteer choral ensemble, performing three concerts per season at venues around Long Beach, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, Rancho Los Alamitos, and Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

CREDIT: Long Beach Chorale & Chamber Orchestra

LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL BAND

While not exclusively a classical music ensemble, the Long Beach Municipal Band includes classical selections in its program each season, ranging from popular film scores to familiar tunes by the likes of Verdi, Mozart, and Gershwin. The band plays free concerts in various city parks for six weeks during the summer months. Celebrating its 116th season in 2025, it’s the oldest city-funded band in the nation.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.